Guide No. 145:

City of Dallas Sports Commission, 1965-1971

Scope and Contents

Correspondence, memoranda, and manuscript notes.

The Sports Commission was created by the Dallas City Council through City of Dallas Ordinance 11128 in July, 1969. The commission was charged with coordinating the activities of local athletic clubs in various sports "with a view in mind of strengthening and enhancing the total Dallas amateur and professional sports program," and to act as an advisory board to the Dallas City Council on all matters relating to sports activities. The commission was also directed to assist in planning and maintaining a broad sports program for Dallas youth through the Park and Recreation Department. While not explicitly stated, a goal of the commission was to facilitate the construction of a major sports facility for the City of Dallas.

The first chair of the commission was Field Scovell (1907-1992), "Mr. Cotton Bowl" and a major leader of the Dallas sporting community. For nearly four decades, Scovell served as the Cotton Bowl's Chairman of Team Selection. The Cotton Bowl Classic's championship award is named the Field Scovell Trophy.

Collection consists of manuscript notes from the earliest meetings of the Dallas Sports Commission and correspondence and memoranda of the commission from 1965 through 1971.

Detailed Description of the Collection